Chetwynd, formerly known as “Little Prairie” was renamed to honor the late Ralph Chetwynd, a British Columbia Minister of Railways. It has a population of about 3,100 with a trading area of 7,000. Chetwynd’s main industries are forestry, mining, natural gas processing and ranching.
It is in the foothills of the eastern slope of the Rocky Mountains at the junction of Highways 97 and 29 and the BC Rail Mainline. Chetwynd is the natural transportation hub of the Peace River area.
Four distinct seasons combined with rolling hills, snow-capped mountains, and crystal clear lakes and rivers make Chetwynd a playground for the outdoor enthusiast.
When the first settlers arrived in the early 1900s the area was known as Little Prairie by Indians who travelled from Moberly Lake to hunt in the Sukunka Valley. The first Highway was built between Prince George and Dawson Creek in 1952. Chetwynd was incorporated as a Village in 1962 and in 1983 the municipality was reincorporated as a District Municipality.
Chetwynd is economically strong in oil, gas, coal and forestry. The largest employers in the area are Tembec Pulp Mill, Canadian Forest Industries, West Fraser Mills, and Duke Energy. There is plenty of sport fishing in the region. Hiking and biking is popular. During the winter months there is speed skating at the Rotary Park, snowmobiling in the eastern foothills of the Rocky Mountains plus ice fishing and hunting. Cross country skiing or down hill skiing is available at Powder King.
